Stihl MS170 - $169.99

Includes many of the same excellent design features as our professional models, including STIHL Quickstop® inertia chain brake, Master Control Lever™, anti-vibration system, easy-off filter cover, and view-through oil and gas tanks.

Summary:
This is a good saw for the money, especially if you are just using it to clean up around your yard. I haven't used it long enough to know if it can handle long days but for the price and being a Stihl you can't go wrong. I had a friend using a cheaper saw and had alot of problems with it and I just kept on cutting while he was trying to get his working again, it goes to show that you do get what you pay for.

Strengths:
Great power for the size of saw. i have a 14 inch blade on this and it gets right through and small trees. I have a large Husky to take down the big trees but then use this to limb the tree and cut up the samll stuff. It is so light I can flick it around and it doesn't snap back at you when you make a mistake or do something a little careless.

Weaknesses:
Not a big fan of having to hold down the throttle to start the saw.

Summary:
if i bought again, id go w/ the 180, but i have used this saw for 4 years with very little repair needed. mostly light limbs cut on grounded trees. however, i would not attempt to use for trees larger than about 4", the extra 2cc's and QCA would be worth it on the 180.

Strengths:
-Light weight
-Small, easliy handles branches, small trees and with the experienced operator, 24" trees. Those that say it is a dog...buy a bigger one if you feel that way! I own the MS 27 Farm Boss, MS 170 and several others. I love my Stihl saws, big and small.

Weaknesses:
-It feels cheap in some areas, but that is just the feel, it is a work horse for the size and sturdy.

Summary:
I guess you could call me a commercial user, and bought it as a disposable. It should have been far less problematic than it was. For the light use that it was subjected to, it should have easily made it to the three month (commercial warranty) period. The saw itself was a lemon, the dealership a complete failure at standing behind it. Since that time, I have acquired three Echos...and as none of them have failed, the other dealership hasnt had the opportunity to change things on them, then tell me I have no idea how to run them. I have over 20 years of chainsaw use, and my little business trims 100-120,000 trees a year.

Strengths:
Lightweight paperweight.

Weaknesses:
Went to shop three times in the first five tanks of gas. Dealer kept changing out the spark plug and the ignition module and then telling me that there was nothing wrong with the saw and I didn't know how to run it, and I should have bought a pro model. On the fourth trip to the dealer, I abandoned the saw there, still under warranty, and about two months old with 6 or 7 tanks of gas run through it. My offer to pay the difference between that and a 260 was turned down. I would have done the same deal for a T200. I did not get my money back.

Summary:
Great little saw, and always ready for any job put in front of it

Strengths:
Very lightweight, good torque and RPM, have used more than 8 gallons of fuel through this within 3 1/2 years, and cut everything from limbs to trunks that had to be worked from both sides and never had to do anything but change the plug and air filter. I have always used Stihl bar oil and 2 cycle oil, and this saw still has great compression!!

Summary:
Overall it's been a great saw! Remember that the maintenance is equal to the success of the job!

Strengths:
I've had my saw for 7 years and use it heavily in my landscape business. I've even used it to fall trees 24" in diameter. I've changed the spark plug once about 3 years ago. I read the other reviews about carb problems, not me, important to keep the 1:50 gas/oil mix ratio. I keep the air filter clean, chain sharp, rotate the bar about once a month. Do this and your saw should be great! I'd say my $200 dollar saw has made me alot of money in 7 years. I know some day it will die, they all do, but until then I'll keep doing what i'm doing.

Weaknesses:
It is a little under powered in the bigger stuff. However for my money at the time, it's been great. If you can afford the nicer, more powerful model, then get it. If your going to use it once in awhile you cant go wrong.

Strengths:
I work for N.Y.S. Parks and currently opperate five MS 170'S plus own one myself. This is tough little saw for the money and will handle far more than it was designed for.It is small,light wieght and runs well.Ideal for small trees and limb work.The perfect saw for cleaning up trails and woodlots.For the money it hard to beat this saw.

Weaknesses:
Small fuel tank.One of the six I'm familure with has a switch problem which seems to be commonly known about at the servive counter.

Strengths:
I work for N.Y.S. Parks and currently opperate five MS 170'S plus own one myself. This is tough little saw for the money and will handle far more than it was designed for.It is small,light wieght and runs well.Ideal for small trees and limb work.The perfect saw for cleaning up trails and woodlots.For the money it hard to beat this saw.

Weaknesses:
Small fuel tank.One of the six I'm familure with has a switch problem which seems to be commonly known about at the servive counter.

Strengths:
Lightweight, doesn't take up much room. Not much maintenance required for occasional use. I keep it in my truck box for when I come upon downed trees in the road, (I'm a forester, I work in remote areas).

Weaknesses:
Didn't start well in the cold. Oilier seemed to get clogged on occasion.

Summary:
First one I bought wouldnt start out of the box, took it back to the dealer who couldnt get it to start either. They exchanged it for another one which after one use (2 tanks of gas) and sitting for four weeks will not start either. After trying everything in the book but failing I've gotten rid of it, its stting at the end of my driveway in pieces if anyone wants POS chainsaw.

Strengths:
Light, easy to use if you can get it to start.

Weaknesses:
Will not start. Underpowered for anything more than limb cutting. Cheap build.

Strengths:
Cuts small logs but not for felling trees etc. Needs a trip to shop about every other tank of gas. Starts easy most of the time.

Weaknesses:
Replaced carburetor twice before giving up on saw. Internal parts of carburetors are unreliable. I've been told that it is the gas with alcohol, but I have other saws that runs on the same gas just fine.

Summary:
I maintain 95 miles of ATV and dirt bike trails. I carry it in a back pack when I'm on my bike. I've cut trees up to 20" in diameter with it. It takes a bit of work, keep the chain sharp it will cut through any tree. I use a 440 Magnum when I'm on my ATV and for really large trees.

Summary:
I don't know if I'm qualified to give a proper review. I only use a chainsaw to trim and remove a dozen trees a year on mine property or friends (wish they would get there own chainsaw). I can only compare it to a partner P70 (which got stolen), a McCullock pro mac 10-10, and a friends small echo. Honestly, all I need is small saw, yes it does lack the power of bigger ones but I don't mind, mine is well built tough (fell off the truck doing 100 with no problems other than a cracked case which was cosmetic), and reliable (pull once with choke, once without). Would recomend it to any homeowner. Farmers, and professionals ... you know better than I do for your fields.

Strengths:
Its very light weight, didn't think anything of it until I was forced to use something else... needless to say I hurried the repair after that. I found it picky which fuel it used and the mix. I use 50:1 91 or 96 octane, and it runs sweet. reliable, leave it in the shed for a year with same gas and oil and always starts 2nd pull.

Weaknesses:
The fuel tank is small, refilled 4 times cutting down a tree and turning it into firewood size. Developed an oil leak, simple to fix once you know what your doing. Parts are expensive (cylinder and piston cost more than the saw, due to my stupidity trying to fix the oil leak). Hint, youtube and google disassemble stihl first!

Used product for 3+ Years Purchased From 2nd hand, its all I could afford

Summary:
You get a great, reliable, light, slightly underpowered saw for round the house.

Strengths:
Light, and well made.

Weaknesses:
When starting with the coke on it is possible to leave the chain break on, and the accelerator on. It sounds like it revs a little high until the smoke pours out... if your quick you can rescue it before the clutch burns out completely and melts the plastic case. Cleaning up the mess isn't a problem but does take time :( Yes I do realize that this is entirely my fault, DO NOT use a rattle gun to remove the clutch!

Summary:
Fine saw if you want to spend as little as possible on a light-duty saw and still get a solid brand name. If you want slightly more quality and power in a light-duty, look into Stihl's higher models. Mine was given to me and I appreciated the build quality over the poulan I started with, but I would never buy this model myself, even if looking for a light limbing saw.

Strengths:
Light saw, better quality than box store brands like poulan, easy to find parts for. Starts reliably once you learn the trick, not extremely loud, can be pushed to do the occasional large tree. Best used for limbing and small tree work (up to 4").

Weaknesses:
Cheap components- side cover is plastic and doesn't hold up well against a broken chain, tension screw held in place by plastic insert, handle is hollow and weak, breaks when you drop a 4" log on it accidentally... heh. Saw bogs down very quickly in 12" + logs when running a 16" chain. Fit and finish is fairly flimsy - saw tends to flex along join points when buried in a log.

Strengths:
Good power for a saw in it's class and light duty work. Perfect therapy for country club types that need to get real now and then.

Weaknesses:
Carb Problems. Of course if you are a looser like me and don't drain the fuel or run the carb dry before long periods on non-use, you really cannot expect the thing to perform properly. Starting proceedures are a bite and for christ's sake whatever you do, don't flood the thing--you will be pulling until you pass out and it still won't start thereafter. The first time you hear it "burp" while attempting to start, release the choke and then finish the start process.

Weaknesses:
They'll start pretty easily when new, but after 4-5 hours of total use these saws gradually become harder and harder to start. Changing fuel, plugs and air filter doesn't seem to make a difference with these pieces of crap. Took the first one back to the dealer under warranty, and they replaced it. Now the second saw is doing the same thing.

Strengths:
Saw worked great for me. Have used it a whopping 2 days now cutting firewood. Great saw for the price. Beats my "pull-on" pro peice of crap saw. I would buy this saw over a poulon any day of the week. The dealer was extremely knowledgable about stihls. Should me correct starting procedure, checked the rpms to ensure proper running speed. Another point he made sure to tell me was to only use ethanol free gas, Runs much better on that. For $200 you can't find a better deal. Very easy to use.

Weaknesses:
Flimsy, due to vibration suppression technology. Rather have a flimsy saw with vibration suppression than a cheap poulon without it.

Summary:
Once I changed to a 16" bar and non safety chain. I am a retired logger and I am able to kill any saw made. The little MS 170 is a survivor for sure thought one days use it would be garbage nope still alive and cuttin.I cut several truck loads of firewood and it did fine.

Strengths:
Light weight and really easy to run for long sessions of work. Say what you want about it being a cheap saw, how many other box store brand saws even run right new. I think it is built very welll considering how muchh plastic is used in the saw. Very good power to weight ratio.

Weaknesses:
Cheap flimsy chain that they come with sucks. 14" bar is to short to be any use.

Summary:
This saw has been very reliable for what it is intended for. Occasional use and for limbing.

Strengths:
Price I paid $139 for this saw 5 years ago
Reliable- I have cut over 10 cords of firewood with this saw over its life and is still going strong. To date I only had to replace a spark plug.
Vy ery light weight

Summary:
the gas that we get is mixed with etenol and in all things one will have problems but if one mixes the mix correct(if the mixure demands 3 gallons of gas put in 2.92 gallons and most of all buy gas that is ethenol free or get an additive)the saw will run for a good time.p.s.as for a the complaint about the dealer...well that is not the saws fault becouse there are bad people out there....

Strengths:
i use to have polan,ecco and oh yes the terrible husky and when i bought the stihl 170 i was impressed.as a climber and owner of a tree buisniss this saw is light which is a value swinging from limb to limb and has plenty of power and if you dont believe me,,ask me....

Weaknesses:
the weakness tht i hear people talk about is true..the power is weakbut that is becouse of the etenol that is put in gas.i practice draining the gas out of the saw after each use (even if your gonna use it the next day) and then run the gas out of the engine and when through choke it and run the last gas out.i cut many trees and i see no weakness but i recomend that you but gas that is ethenol free or use additive for the ehenol...

Used product for 2-Years Purchased From ace hardware in titusville fla..

Summary:
I love this saw so much I will only buy Stihl...actually have wanted to buy a MS260 or 290 but hate to cause I know I wont use this great little saw as much....

Strengths:
Very reliable saw! I've owned it for 5 plus years...countless cords of wood cut and brush....trees up to 16" dia. It's a little underpowered for the larger trees but that was my choosing to cut them in the first place....but it got the job done...little slower is all. I've put countless hours on this saw....all I have ever done is taken out the spark arrestor screen and cleane dit...the air filter and changed the plug this year finally..not that it needed it..I just did it. Be sure to run Stihl chain oil..its the best too! It's such a nice light saw...I can carry it through the bush and work all day and never have tired arms.

Summary:
I read ALL the spec's before I bought and its a brilliant LITTLE saw for what I need it. I have a bigger one for the big jobs. Use it for what its intended and its perfect. I do suggest that its not an allrounder, it is a baby. Reading all these negaitive comments is quite depressing because I'm delighted. Mix the fuel correctly and keep it sharp then it will serve you well on upto 350mm timber. Good on you Sthil.

Strengths:
Has worked flawlessly for last 6 years.. until this Spring... loss of power at full throttle. Checked everything, fuel line, carb (no adjustments), air filer, even compression test... then I was taking muffler off to check piston scoring and the spark arestor screen on exhaust fell out and it was plugged solid. Cleaned it out and away we go again.
This thing is really well put together, easy to takr apart.
Runs good... I usually cut up to 16-18" dia. light and easy to clear trails, great for firewood cutting and packs easy. Rick now, I wouls buy another one.

Weaknesses:
Mine leaks chain oil over periods of storage. Wish there was a wrench holder built in.

Summary:
Great saw, the weight to power ratio is fabulous. You can cut all day and not have your arms fall off. Compared to a Yard machine chainsaw that cost 100.00 more than the MS 170 I have now it is a dream....Yard machines c/s shook most of the screws that hold it together out....onto the ground....
The stihl is still in one piece and works great.
Also, the local distrutor who can provide parts within a couple of days (if not on the spot) is a dream compared to waiting 6 - 12 weeks for the big box crap to get ordered in

Strengths:
Light weight, cuts well if you are not an idiot who expects brute force power to do all the work (hold the saw straight and it will cut 12" + logs no problem).
Good on gas. Unless you are revving it at top speed all the time, you should get about 45 minutes cutting time from one tank.

Weaknesses:
bar and chain seem a little flimsy. The convoluted starting procedure. Starts o.k. from the warm start description in the manual, the overall process for starting can be a little confusing.

Summary:
Great saw, the weight to power ratio is fabulous. You can cut all day and not have your arms fall off. Compared to a Yard machine chainsaw that cost 100.00 more than the MS 170 I have now it is a dream....Yard machines c/s shook most of the screws that hold it together out....onto the ground....
The stihl is still in one piece and works great.
Also, the local distrutor who can provide parts within a couple of days (if not on the spot) is a dream compared to waiting 6 - 12 weeks for the big box crap to get ordered in

Strengths:
Light weight, cuts well if you are not an idiot who expects brute force power to do all the work (hold the saw straight and it will cut 12" + logs no problem).
Good on gas. Unless you are revving it at top speed all the time, you should get about 45 minutes cutting time from one tank.

Weaknesses:
bar and chain seem a little flimsy. The convoluted starting procedure. Starts o.k. from the warm start description in the manual, the overall process for starting can be a little confusing.

Summary:
I purchased a 017 in 1995 and it is still going strong. Primarily used for cutting firewood on trees up to 12 inches in diameter. It does not have the power of the larger saws, but for what it is intended to do, I have no complaints. Have never had issues starting it other than flooding it once or twice in 16 years. Best little saw I have ever used. If you intend on cutting a lot of firewood for hours at a time, this is not the saw for you. But for occasional firewood and limbing, it is excellent.

Strengths:
Lightweight, reliable. Easy to use.

Weaknesses:
None

Used product for 3+ Years Purchased From Roper Hardware, Tullahoma, TN

Summary:
Great for storm clean up and firewood. I love this saw i have had no problems with it. The gas tank is a little small ( have to refill 4 times on 2 trees) light weight and little to no vibrations. Overall great saw i got it on sale for $175 bucks not bad

Summary:
I've had my little MS170 for 7 years now. I don't know what they mean by "occasional use saw", because I've run the snot out of this thing. Cut 50 full cords in the last 7 years without ever so much as a hick-up from it. Mine always starts, hot or cold. It's never been the least bit finicky. Most tress I take are 10 to 14 inches in diameter, but I've cut a fair amount of 2 foot trees with it also. A more powerful saw would mean more weight. But I never felt underpowered with this thing. And it's size and weight are a pure pleasure to work with. Unless you're consistently cutting really big stuff, you really don't need a bigger saw. You may "want" a bigger saw, but you don't "need" a bigger saw. Is mine slowed than a bigger saw? Of course it is, but it's light weight and maneuverability more than make up for this. Mine has done everything I've ever asked of it. If you just have to have something bigger, check out the MS250 (the plain Jane model ~ no easy start feature, and with the standard - old style - chain adjuster). The only reason I can recommend the 250 is because I had a chance to use one, and liked it. It was very close in size and weight to my 170, but with almost twice the HP. One further note. I'm not a died-in-the-wool Stihl guy. I'm not biased toward Stihl. I just reported how my particular saw has worked for me. I think "all" of the major chainsaw manufacture produce some excellent saws. If/when my little 170 give up the ghost, I'll check out "all" of the different manufactures chainsaws. I think we're lucky to have so many fine choices.

Strengths:
you guys that think this saw is week or junk, well if you own it you bought stihls cheapest occaisional use saw. What do you cheap people want. Spend some extra money and buy 1 of their pro saws. there is no better made saws

Strengths:
i found the saw was easy and light to use cut throught most logs and smaller tree's like a dream. its worth the money if your using it for smaller jobs around garden or small farms/hedge laying.

Weaknesses:
sometimes i would like more than 14" bar more like a 16 but it can bog down in the wood.

Summary:
some help can be found on youtube by searching "how to mod a ms170". I performed the mods to the tee, and while it seemed to increase power and cutting slightly, freeing up the intake and exhaust also leaned out the factory "non adjustabele" carb settings. Increased the idle speed to the point where a well heated bar and chain will continue to walk. Had i known there were no adjustment options for the carb to compensate for the extra air flow, i wouldve left it stock. Its my least favorite saws of the 7 i cut with. 1st stihl a big disappointment.

Strengths:
Its light, compact, and fits in a back pack pretty easily. good for trail maintenance. So far ive had good luck with starting the saw cold or hot. "knock on wood"........

Weaknesses:
It doesn't want to start, which costs me time and money. Dealing with Becker's has been a huge dissapointment. What, do I have "Idiot" tattooed to my forehead? If I wanted to go into the small engine business I would. I do what I do for a living well, so should you! I bought this saw based upon the name brand that I've used for years. If it's a piece of crap and you know it, don't sell it! Or at least tell me to spend 50 more bucks on a good one. I only need to make a few occaisional cuts on beams every now and then. I could get these same beams NOT CUT for free, rather than buying a saw that doesn't work!

Summary:
I'd buy it again. It's perfect for cutting smaller limbs, light enough to climb with, and your back won't hurt after a day of cutting. Getting a Stihl for under 200 and getting the same quality as my $500 saw, can't complain. Perfect for a homeowner or anyone looking for a quality smaller saw.

Strengths:
Light weight, quick, easy to start. Gets through hardwoods as good as my farm boss. I wanted a lighter saw because my farm boss gets heavy running it all day to limb up a tree I cut down. This impressed me for less than 200 bucks.

Weaknesses:
A little under powered. When the chain gets dull it loses power fast.

Summary:
Firstly, I've read reviews that used this saw for jobs it was never intended to do. It is a small saw best used with a 14" bar and chain. It never claimed to be super powerful. Please don't compare apples to oranges by comparing the smallest saw stihl makes to a mid range echo or dolmar. To those who complain about hard starting, once you know and understand how to start a Stihl product It is simple. I have to question the overall knowledge of anyone who says this is not well made. After 40 years of using all sorts of power tools and saws I know a quality made tool when I see one. I would highly recommend this saw to anyone who needs to do small jobs around the house or just needs a light weight saw for light commercial jobs. If its not performing well for your purpose, perhaps you need a larger saw! Oh by the way I am not a tree pro but own 5 saws. Different size for different jobs! If you don't like this saw,........ you need to go buy a Homelite!

Weaknesses:
Bought 180C from ACE and after 1.5 hrs of use, while cutting a piece of wood, it started to lightly smoke and not from the exhaust. Tried idling and looking around with both chain brake on and off, still just smoked and got worse. Took it in and ACE says Stihl won't cover it because I burnt it up with the chain brake (mind you while actually cutting wood.) I have a two year warranty and had it a month. Talked to the Stihl guy that covers warranties and he was pompous and unreal. He acted like he was doing me a huge favor in giving .5 Hr of work even though he didn't even listen to the full repair. ACE says the $200 dollar saw will cost 250 to fix....and IT"S BRAND NEW!!!!!!! I got burnt by Stihl..don't do the same

Summary:
Spend a few more bucks and get a much higher quality Echo or Dolmar. Some on here think all Stihl saws are the same quality, the MS170 is so bad it has a stamped connecting rod, rated for 50 hours EPA right with the worst of them vs 300 hours for Echo and Dolmar

Strengths:
Light wieght

Weaknesses:
No quality, a bit better than new Mac and Homelites but not even close to older and pro model Stihl saws. Low power per cc, good for maybe 4" limbs

Summary:
I replaced an old McCullough with a STIHL........the only STEEL was taking my money for a POS saw, and poor service from the John Deere dealer that sold it to me. Shame on me for not doing more research on this model before buying, I just assumed STIHL = QUALITY. My mistake!!

Strengths:
The Stihl dealer is only 2 miles from my house

Weaknesses:
Various stall, start, idle problems believed to be with the carb. Only a total of 20 minutes on the saw!!
Has been in the shop 3 times: 1) they claimed I left gas in the tank and gummer the carb....not so but I paid the 21.50 to clean the carb 2) said they replaced the carb, but wouldn't give me any paper work 3) back in the shop today

Summary:
great saw you can use it all day run stihl lubricants and you will have no problems add seafoam or stabil and you will be set replace the anti kick back chain and keep it sharp run this saw every day if you wanna complain about a stihl go buy a poulan

Strengths:
a great reliable saw starts on second pull every time get a non anti kickback chain and your set to go if you use this saw for what its intended to be used for its great ive cut through 16-32" inch trees with ease for all who is complaining about this saw learn how to run a saw stihl always have great saws great warrenty

Summary:
It was hard reading what others had written about this great little saw
For the folks that wine about this saw [the smallest gas saw stihl makes mind you] not having big power, I say try cutting the tree up by hand once, then maybe you’ll realize what you have
I have a larger saw for the felling and heavy bucking,[I guess they don't] but for the liming and even bucking 12 inch stuff it works fine, just keep a sharp chain.
It’s called reasonable expectations; I’m happy to trade off big power for a very light saw for liming and light bucking. Almost anyone that knows how to operate a saw can start and carry it safely around no mater how small they are. you can work with it all day.
if you're in a big rush, buy a bigger saw.
It may be billed as a homeowner saw, but I’ve used this little 170 for days on end in hot weather with not a problem.
I’ll admit changing out the chain made a big difference. Mini's suck

Strengths:
Super light in price and weight, very reliable, sips fuel,
easy to start, you can work with it all day and not break your back.

Weaknesses:
small fuel tank, as other writers have pointed out, you'll get 15 or so minutes cut time
comes with a “mini” chain which I changed out with the normal chain they have as an option
the standard mini chain wouldn’t cut wide enough, pinching the bar too easy.
I took a long time to wear in [a good 30 or 40 tanks fills] after that it started making even more power.

Summary:
is a good handy saw but expensive to keep in working order because of the quick way the parts wear down. the chain tooths are really small even when new and wear out in no time flat

Strengths:
the chain saw is lightweight and manages fairly good and is easy to maintain

Weaknesses:
it has many weaknesses including the deceptive way it is sold to untrained homeowners. the warranty is simply a funny way of taking you for a ride. the chain the blade track or bar guide and the sproket are not that good after all and they wear fast. the dealer is happy to replace all of those parts with a happy face and charge as he pleases. if you use the saw, it simpley wears out like a tooth brush. it is meant to be a nice looking display decoration in your garage. once you start using it heavy use you will be visiting your dealer for another replacement routine before you can say i'm done. so when you buy it, go ahead and buy a few replacement chains bar guides and sprokets.

Summary:
VERY satisfied, have recommended to many people. Even munches up year old stabilized gas with only a brief lag to hit and hold full pin... no brainer buy the saw but make sure you have a good distributor to support you should something go wrong.

Strengths:
*** IF you know how to start, run and maintain a saw this saw will do very well for you. I've read the reviews and am convinced that short of manufactures defects and poor distributors these people complaining are idiots - sorry. I've owned my saw for 7 years, run high octane, 50:1 exactly, sea foam in transition seasons, sharp chain, rotate/level the bar, vacuum air filter and brush my plug, scrub my muffler screen and I've NEVER had a problem - seriously. This isn't lite use, I mean cutting big trees double sided for winter fire wood, ATV trail clearing and helping friends on weekends LOTS of hrs. Low vibrations, small fuel tank ya, I've used the small chain and upgraded to the 3/8ths is it? Both have their value depending on what you're cutting...

Weaknesses:
None $ to saw this is a great buy unless you're a contract faller. PS I know contract production fallers in BC and they don't buy the yuppy line either never spend more than $500 on a saw and nvm the titanium crap just treat it right.

Summary:
I use it as a de-limbing saw. It is light weight and use it for light work. I take care of 35 acres and rely on my 029 (rebuilt twice) for the big stuff, and a ms251 for ground work. But those saws are heavy and I am older so I use this for smaller trees and limbs. It works great for that.

Strengths:
Lightweight, great supplemental saw. Decent enough power for what I use it for, a de-limbing saw. Like all chainsaws clean thouroughly keep the chain sharp.

Weaknesses:
Lacks power for larger trees. Don't expect it to plow through big trees with ease. Don't overheat it, it has its limitations. With that being said use common sense. If you use it for what it was intended for it will be a great saw for you, if you need a bigger saw get a bigger saw. For light work it does a great job and saves your back!!!!! choke is less than perfect, I just prefer a pull chock.

Summary:
Very pleased. For what I bought it works great. It is easy to handle especially in brush. Lightweight so it doesn't wear you our so quick. I have and have used a lot of saws, this one is worth the money.

Strengths:
Bought my first 170 many years ago, always started, cut good, used to cut brush and firewood to include logs over 14 inches. Cut right through them. Put a larger 14 inch bar and chain on it since original chain and bar were too lite. Had new carburetor put on it a couple years ago after a lot of use. Went ahead and bought another 170 and it has worked great. Liked them both so much bought a third 170. I use one for cutting off trees ground level and the others for above ground work. Always go to the field with 2 so if the chain gives out or get one stuck, I have a backup.

Weaknesses:
Can't say there are any weaknesses for the type saw it is.

Summary:
Great saw for recreational use, but buy a 250 if you plan on cutting anything even remotely serious.

Strengths:
Saw is lightweight, starts easily, works great for limbing, camping, and keeping in the truck or ATV for windfall. Serves its purpose in my fleet.

Weaknesses:
Not much power, but it is a small saw after all. Non-adjustable carb makes tuning impossible. I purchased new, and after a couple tanks of gas the saw seemed to bog, wouldn't idle, and had oil seeping from the muffler area. Talked to the dealer, and some idiot told me I must have mixed oil too rich or used the wrong fuel. Disgusted, I pulled muffler off and found that it was missing the gasket between muffler and cylinder. Poor quality control on the line I guess. Warranty got me a new gasket installed. Had to use my old Homelite XL for a week!

Summary:
Managed to get a good deal off local kijijji... had never had gas in it!
First time owning a chainsaw and purchased for use around cottage (just purchased).
After reading up on saws prior to purchase I knew of its limitations and thus use it as such. Has been great for trimming and removal of smaller diameter trees. Easy to use.